Just thought I'd stick this up and see what ye think.
Marcus is an excellent player. His new banjo is nice, it has a good sound, and it's the lightest of any Clareen I've ever played. Yet for some reason, having played this exact banjo, I didn't find it completely spectacular. What do you think?
Banjo sounds on video often don't convey the sound that you hear while playing the same banjo. That being said, it is possible that the banjo Marcus is playing is set up differently than when you played it (it doesn't take much, the clear head alone changes the dynamics of the sound plus head tension, bridge, etc.) and it helps that he is playing it surrounded by musical instruments.
Another aspect of his sound is his technique (this is not a knock on yours, just an explanation) and the one time that he changes pick angle, his sound changes completely for a second.
All of the banjos played in the Shaskeen videos sound great. Also there seems to be an HSE focus in Tom's shop. I love the sound that each of the players gets and am blown away by the technical skills shown even in a 11 year old boy. (HSE = Holy Sh*t Exclamation)
I suspect that you heard the banjo a little differently because you were behind it when you played. If you had a video of your playing, it would sound different to your ears partially because of the microphone, but also because you don't hear all the overtones being projected forward.
From a technical point of view its interesting that Marcus doesnt follow Enda Scahills rule of thumb ie its bent while holding the pick rather than dead straight FWIW.
"not popular in Scotland"... probably not popular in sessions either.
Listening to many of the Shaskeen videos, has there been an overall shift towards a brighter banjo over the last five or ten years? I'm still hooked on the thunkedy-plunkedy sound, but a lot more people seem to be going over to the "Gerry O'Connor" sound.
Tom's banjos have one piece solid raised head tone rings which are more likely to have a trebly sound. A heavy one piece flathead ring will bring out more bass sound. That being said, there is no signature Irish banjo sound - at least not in the way that the Earl Scruggs sound defines bluegrass banjo playing - and you can setup almost any banjo to have either a loose sound (i.e. "plunky") or a tighter sound.
Most banjos will sound good with one particular setup depending on the construction of the banjo and the old jazz players used to be able to tell what brand a banjo was by just hearing it. When setup well each banjo will reach an optimal sound that resonates throughout the instrument and into the player. This is the point at which you choose the sound (and the banjo) you like.
I suspect that on stage the brighter sound is easier to mike and easier to hear. In addition it cuts through a session better. Like you I prefer a banjo with more bass presence of the kind that Gibson flathead banjos put out - but that is my prejudice, of course.
Technique plays a part in this too, but mostly for consistency of sound and clarity. Type of head (the banjo Marcus is playing has a very thin head), type of bridge, head tension, strings and pick type all contribute to the sound and I suspect that those who play at Tom Cussen's shop are coming to a consensus based on each other's performances and the availability of many banjos to choose from.
GO'C plays several different banjos which all have unique sounds. His main instrument seems to be a Dave Boyle which has a modern one piece raised head tone ring like the Clareen banjos but he has a Gibson ball bearing and an Epi A which have complex raised tone rings and totally differing sounds. I suspect that you are referring to the bright setup of all of his banjos.
Mike, what you say makes sense - i.e., coming to a consensus. Tone preferences aside, the performances on Tom's Youtube collection are astounding (and humbling.)
And Mike, the Paramount "A" with calfskin head you spotted for me gives me pretty much the exact tone I like, as it is set up right now - thanks again!
For starters, I prefer a natural goatskin head. I can't stand the sound of plastic or Remo. I have a 1920's vintage banjo with the original goatskin head and it is a totally different experience.
What do you think of this banjo?
What do you think of this banjo?
Just thought I'd stick this up and see what ye think.
Marcus is an excellent player. His new banjo is nice, it has a good sound, and it's the lightest of any Clareen I've ever played. Yet for some reason, having played this exact banjo, I didn't find it completely spectacular. What do you think?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfFcczzj1t4&feature=related&pos=0
# Posted on June 15th 2009 by jlocky
Re: What do you think of this banjo?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1tMeLRK5HY&feature=related
What a sweet player !
# Posted on June 15th 2009 by concertinaplayer
Re: What do you think of this banjo?
jlocky,
Banjo sounds on video often don't convey the sound that you hear while playing the same banjo. That being said, it is possible that the banjo Marcus is playing is set up differently than when you played it (it doesn't take much, the clear head alone changes the dynamics of the sound plus head tension, bridge, etc.) and it helps that he is playing it surrounded by musical instruments.
Another aspect of his sound is his technique (this is not a knock on yours, just an explanation) and the one time that he changes pick angle, his sound changes completely for a second.
All of the banjos played in the Shaskeen videos sound great. Also there seems to be an HSE focus in Tom's shop. I love the sound that each of the players gets and am blown away by the technical skills shown even in a 11 year old boy. (HSE = Holy Sh*t Exclamation)
I suspect that you heard the banjo a little differently because you were behind it when you played. If you had a video of your playing, it would sound different to your ears partially because of the microphone, but also because you don't hear all the overtones being projected forward.
Mike Keyes
http://www.banjosessions.com
# Posted on June 15th 2009 by mikeyes
Re: What do you think of this banjo?
Jesus, that young lad is a legend. C'mon Tipp!
# Posted on June 15th 2009 by T
Re: What do you think of this banjo?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l91dVmffL08 What about this for a 13 year old player? pure class!!
# Posted on June 15th 2009 by Red Robin
Re: What do you think of this banjo?
From a technical point of view its interesting that Marcus doesnt follow Enda Scahills rule of thumb ie its bent while holding the pick rather than dead straight FWIW.
# Posted on June 15th 2009 by Newty
Re: What do you think of this banjo?
I was playing along with the Marcus video and realized he was tuning his banjo a half tone sharp. That makes a huge difference in sound.
MIke Keyes
http://www.mikekeyes.com
# Posted on June 16th 2009 by mikeyes
Re: What do you think of this banjo?
There's many a dull banjo benefit's from a semi tone up in tuning, not popular in Scotland though.
# Posted on June 16th 2009 by Solidmahog
Re: What do you think of this banjo?
"not popular in Scotland"... probably not popular in sessions either.
Listening to many of the Shaskeen videos, has there been an overall shift towards a brighter banjo over the last five or ten years? I'm still hooked on the thunkedy-plunkedy sound, but a lot more people seem to be going over to the "Gerry O'Connor" sound.
# Posted on June 16th 2009 by grego
Re: What do you think of this banjo?
Grego,
Tom's banjos have one piece solid raised head tone rings which are more likely to have a trebly sound. A heavy one piece flathead ring will bring out more bass sound. That being said, there is no signature Irish banjo sound - at least not in the way that the Earl Scruggs sound defines bluegrass banjo playing - and you can setup almost any banjo to have either a loose sound (i.e. "plunky") or a tighter sound.
Most banjos will sound good with one particular setup depending on the construction of the banjo and the old jazz players used to be able to tell what brand a banjo was by just hearing it. When setup well each banjo will reach an optimal sound that resonates throughout the instrument and into the player. This is the point at which you choose the sound (and the banjo) you like.
I suspect that on stage the brighter sound is easier to mike and easier to hear. In addition it cuts through a session better. Like you I prefer a banjo with more bass presence of the kind that Gibson flathead banjos put out - but that is my prejudice, of course.
Technique plays a part in this too, but mostly for consistency of sound and clarity. Type of head (the banjo Marcus is playing has a very thin head), type of bridge, head tension, strings and pick type all contribute to the sound and I suspect that those who play at Tom Cussen's shop are coming to a consensus based on each other's performances and the availability of many banjos to choose from.
GO'C plays several different banjos which all have unique sounds. His main instrument seems to be a Dave Boyle which has a modern one piece raised head tone ring like the Clareen banjos but he has a Gibson ball bearing and an Epi A which have complex raised tone rings and totally differing sounds. I suspect that you are referring to the bright setup of all of his banjos.
Mike Keyes
http://www.mikekeyes.com
# Posted on June 16th 2009 by mikeyes
Re: What do you think of this banjo?
Grego, this is for you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QD6dk4TSO84
# Posted on June 16th 2009 by Ramiro
Re: What do you think of this banjo?
Thanks for that, Ramiro.
Mike, what you say makes sense - i.e., coming to a consensus. Tone preferences aside, the performances on Tom's Youtube collection are astounding (and humbling.)
# Posted on June 16th 2009 by grego
Re: What do you think of this banjo?
And Mike, the Paramount "A" with calfskin head you spotted for me gives me pretty much the exact tone I like, as it is set up right now - thanks again!
# Posted on June 16th 2009 by grego
Re: What do you think of this banjo?
For starters, I prefer a natural goatskin head. I can't stand the sound of plastic or Remo. I have a 1920's vintage banjo with the original goatskin head and it is a totally different experience.
# Posted on June 17th 2009 by Micheál